Cowboys release DE to make room for former Texans offensive tackle

The News Guy

3 months ago

Feb 26, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils lineman Cohl Cabral during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys were forced into another move on Wednesday, this time in response to injury. Already down their nominal starting offensive tackle following Sunday’s exhibition opener, the club took another hit to their depth chart on Wednesday. With left tackle Chuma Edoga sidelined with a broken toe for 4-to-6 weeks, Dallas may have also lost reserve Earl Bostick, Jr. on Wednesday.

To ensure they have enough bodies for practice, Dallas worked out two players on Wednesday, signing Cohl Cabral. To create room on the roster, Dallas waived DE Shaka Toney with an injury designation (groin). Toney had only joined the team in the last few weeks.

Cabral, 26, was an undrafted rookie signing out of Arizona State by the Los Angeles Rams and has bounced around the league since. He’s also played for the Minnesota Vikings (under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer) and the Houston Texans. Although he’s been in the league since 2020, he’s yet to appear in a regular season game.

Dallas is down to four dedicated offensive tackles: Tyler Guyton, Terence Steele, Asim Richards, and Matt Waletzko. Josh Ball and rookie Nathan Thomas also have tackle experience but have been playing on the interior. Thomas himself has missed time recently with an injury.

The Cowboys appeared to be migrating towards Guyton taking the starting role prior to Edoga’s injury, but that’s now a guarantee. Unless the first-round pick out of Oklahoma is a catastrophe — and his 21 snaps vs. the Rams were impressive — it’s hard to see Edoga getting his starting role back when he returns in September.

Moves made now are for backup and practice purposes as camp still has over a week left.